What can we learn from the specific offerings listed in Numbers 7:35? Setting the scene Numbers 7 records the twelve identical offerings brought by Israel’s tribal leaders for the dedication of the altar. Verse 35 summarizes the final portion of each gift: “and for the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old.” (Numbers 7:35) What each animal tells us • Two oxen – The largest, strongest, and costliest livestock in Israel. – Picture the weighty, substantial nature of genuine peace with God (cf. Isaiah 53:5). – Shows that fellowship with the LORD is never a token gesture; it costs the best we have. • Five rams – Rams often symbolize devoted leadership and strength (Genesis 22:13). – The number five in Scripture is frequently linked with grace (e.g., five books of the Law). – Together, five rams declare that strength is submitted to God under a banner of grace. • Five male goats – Goats were used for sin offerings (Leviticus 4:27-31) and the Day of Atonement scapegoat (Leviticus 16:7-10). – Including goats in a peace offering underlines that reconciliation flows from atonement already accomplished. – Reminds us that true peace cannot bypass sin; it must be dealt with (Romans 5:1). • Five male lambs a year old – Spotless, tender, and in the prime of life—an unmistakable pointer to “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). – Year-old lambs were required for Passover (Exodus 12:5), tying this dedication back to redemption history. – Again the “five” underscores grace: peace is God’s gracious gift, not human achievement (Ephesians 2:8-9). Why a peace offering? Leviticus 3 explains that a peace (or fellowship) offering celebrates communion between God and His people. Portions were burned, but worshipers and priests also shared a meal—an early picture of table fellowship later fulfilled in the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 10:16). Numbers 7:35 therefore shouts that the altar’s purpose is relational: restored friendship with the Holy One. Lessons for worship today • Worship is costly—bring God your first and best, not leftovers. • Peace with God rests on prior atonement; we never approach Him on our own merits (Romans 5:9-11). • Grace saturates every aspect of our communion with God, symbolized by the repeated “five.” • Strength, leadership, and resources must all be surrendered for the sake of fellowship. • Worship is communal; the peace offering invited shared participation, pointing to the unity we enjoy in Christ (Ephesians 2:14-18). A foreshadowing of Christ Every animal, every number, and the very category of “peace offering” converge in Jesus: “God was pleased to reconcile all things to Himself… making peace through the blood of His cross.” (Colossians 1:19-20) Through His single, perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10), He embodies the ox’s strength, the ram’s devotion, the goat’s sin-bearing, and the lamb’s innocence—bringing eternal peace between God and all who believe. Living out these truths • Rest confidently in Christ’s completed work. • Offer your best time, talents, and resources in grateful response (Hebrews 13:15-16). • Foster unity within the church, remembering we feast at one table made possible by One sacrifice. |
    |